Natural treatments Peyronie's disease
Peyronie's disease is a condition characterized by the formation of a thickened plaque of fibrous tissue on one side of the penis, leading to curvature, flexibility issues, and potential pain during erections. While the precise cause of Peyronie's disease remains unclear, it may occur without any obvious injury and could be related to a genetic tendency for fibrous tissue development. Natural treatments have gained attention as alternative options for managing this condition, with some proposed remedies including acetyl-L-carnitine and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). Research indicates that acetyl-L-carnitine has shown promise in reducing curvature and pain, while PABA may slow disease progression, though it does not eliminate existing plaque.
Additional natural treatments suggested for Peyronie's disease include vitamin E, gotu kola, l-arginine, coenzyme Q10, and Ginkgo biloba, although evidence supporting their effectiveness remains limited. Patients are also encouraged to consider lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking and exercising, which may support overall health and potentially alleviate symptoms. It's important for individuals to consult healthcare providers before starting any natural treatments, as some herbal supplements may interact with prescribed medications.
Natural treatments Peyronie's disease
- DEFINITION: Treatment of the condition in which a thickened, hardened piece of tissue forms on one side of the penis.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Acetyl-L-carnitine, para-aminobenzoic acid
- OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Gotu kola, vitamin E, l-arginine, coenzyme Q10, Ginkgo biloba, exercises, lifestyle changes
Introduction
Peyronie’s disease is a condition in which a plaque (a thickened, hardened piece of tissue) forms on one side of the penis. If the plaque becomes large enough, it reduces the flexibility of the penis. During an erection, the less flexible part of the penis expands to a lesser extent, causing the penis to bend. Pain may also occur. Severe curvature of the penis can make intercourse difficult or even impossible.
The cause of Peyronie’s disease is unknown, but it may involve injury to the penis that causes local bleeding, which in turn leads to the formation of fibrous tissue. However, the majority of cases occur without any apparent preceding injury.
Men with Peyronie’s disease may have a generalized tendency to form fibrous tissue, as shown by a higher-than-average incidence of Dupuytren’s contracture (a condition in which fibrous tissue develops in the hands among men with Peyronie’s). The condition also appears to be partially heritable.
Treatment of Peyronie’s disease consists, first and foremost, of watchful waiting. In many cases, the disease never becomes severe enough to cause serious difficulty. Pain on erection generally decreases with time, and in some cases, the extent of curvature also decreases.
When the condition is too severe to ignore, a variety of methods may be tried, including injection of various drugs into the fibrous plaque, the use of radiation therapy, and surgery. Of all these, only surgery is widely accepted as effective. However, because surgery can cause complications, such as shortening of the penis, it is usually reserved for serious cases.
Principal Proposed Natural Treatments
Acetyl-L-carnitine. L-carnitine is an amino acid the body uses to turn fat into energy. It is not usually considered a nutrient because the body can manufacture all it needs. Two forms of L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine, have been tried as treatments for Peyronie’s disease.
A three-month double-blind study compared the effectiveness of acetyl-L-carnitine to the drug tamoxifen in forty-eight men with Peyronie’s disease. Acetyl-L-carnitine (at a dose of 1 gram [g] daily) reduced penile curvature, while tamoxifen did not. In addition, the supplement reduced pain and slowed disease progression to a greater extent than tamoxifen.
Another study evaluated the potential benefits of combination therapy with propionyl-L-carnitine and an injected medication (verapamil). In this trial, sixty men with severe Peyronie’s disease were given verapamil injections plus three months of treatment with either propionyl-L-carnitine (2 g per day) or tamoxifen. The use of propionyl-L-carnitine plus verapamil significantly reduced penile curvature, plaque size, and the need for surgery, while tamoxifen plus verapamil had little effect. These studies remain preliminary, but their results are encouraging.
Paraminobenzoic acid. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) has been suggested for various diseases, including Peyronie’s disease, in which abnormal fibrous tissue is involved. However, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have been limited. One trial enrolled 103 men with Peyronie’s disease and followed them for one year. The results showed that using PABA at a dose of 3 g taken four times daily significantly slowed the progression of Peyronie’s disease; it did not, however, reduce preexisting plaque.
Other Proposed Natural Treatments
Vitamin E has also been advocated for treating Peyronie’s disease and the related condition Dupuytren’s contracture, but there is no meaningful evidence that it is effective. The herb gotu kola is used to treat various conditions in which fibrous scar tissue causes problems, so it has been advocated for Peyronie’s disease. However, there is no meaningful evidence that it is effective.
Several natural treatments for Peyronie’s disease based on the Indian tradition of Ayurvedic medicine—curcumin, kanchnaar guggul, and nirumbi oil—are suggested, though these remedies are based on tradition and have little basis in science. L-arginine is an amino acid that may help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the penis. However, it has not been directly studied for Peyronie’s disease. Similarly, Ginkgo biloba may also increase blood flow to the penis. Small studies have suggested coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation, may decrease pain and improve penile curvature. Penile traction and applying magnesium or heat may also help. Patients with Peyronie’s disease are also advised to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Herbs and Supplements to Use with Caution
Various herbs and supplements may interact adversely with drugs used to treat Peyronie’s disease, so one should consult a doctor before using any herb or supplement.
Bibliography
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Cavallini, G., et al. “Oral Propionyl-L-Carnitine and Intraplaque Verapamil in the Therapy of Advanced and Resistant Peyronie’s Disease.” BJU International 89 (2002): 895-900.
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Weidner, W., et al. “Potassium Paraaminobenzoate (POTABA) in the Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease.” European Urology 47 (2005): 530-536.